Lea DeLaria

Bio

Pussy Riot is a feminist protest art collective which has been one of the world’s most prominent activist groups in recent years, aiming to focus attention on the actions

Pussy Riot is a feminist protest art collective which has been one of the world’s most prominent activist groups in recent years, aiming to focus attention on the actions of the Russian government and human rights violations at home and abroad. In August 2012, Nadya and Masha were sentenced to two years' imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance in Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. This protest attracted international media attention and support from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Aung San Suu Kyi. Since their release they have continued their work, recently calling on the US congress to add 16 officials to the Magnitsky list of human rights violators who face U.S. sanctions. This September they launched the independent news outlet MediaZona which focuses on Russia’s courts, law enforcement and prison system. They have also launched the NGO Zona Prava again focusing on the need for prison reform in Russia.